TRICARE for Activated National Guard and Reserve Overview

TRICARE offers activated National Guard and Reserve service members the same three options for obtaining medical care as their active duty counterparts. 
1.       TRICARE Prime: This is a health maintenance organization-type managed care program for which retirees are required to pay an annual enrollment fee. Enrollees are assigned a primary care manager, who determines the most appropriate, available source of care—either a military treatment facility or a civilian network provider. Enrollees pay little or no co-payment, and usually are not required to file claims for their care.
2.       TRICARE Extra: This is a preferred provider organization-type program; no enrollment is required, however care has to be provided by a TRICARE network provider. You will be responsible for paying the annual deductible and cost shares at a reduced rate. The network provider will file your claim.
3.       TRICARE Standard: This is a fee for service option that requires an annual deductible and cost shares after the deductible has been reached. Under TRICARE Standard you are responsible for filing your claim. 
Beneficiaries should contact their Health Benefits Advisors/Beneficiary Counselor and Assistance Coordinators (BCAC) at Military Treatment Facilities (MTF) or stop in at your TRICARE Service Center for more assistance. You can locate the BCAC for your state at http://www.tricare.mil/bcacdcao/.
Date Last Reviewed: June 29, 2009

NEED-TO-KNOW INFORMATION